Job Description

The Supplier Relations Specialist plays a critical role within the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) division. This position is responsible for supporting external partner relationships and ensuring contractual obligations, service expectations, and operational needs are met. This role coordinates communication with service providers, tracks performance outcomes, assists with contract administration, and collaborates with internal SEM departments to maintain efficient service delivery. The role focuses on strengthening supplier partnerships, monitoring service quality, ensuring compliance and ensuring services align with SEM's operational and strategic goals.

The ideal candidate will have experience in supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, and performance analysis, combined with strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills. This position works closely with the Associate Director and SEM stakeholders to support sourcing initiatives, monitor expenditures, maintain compliance, ad enhance the effectiveness of SEM's external service partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Selection and Sourcing: Lead the end-to-end supplier selection process, including market research, identification of potential suppliers, development and issuance of RFPs/RFQs/RFIs, evaluation of proposals, and recommendation of solutions that best meet SEM's operational needs and budgetary guidelines.
• Negotiation and Contract Management: Support the negotiation of contracts, service agreements, and pricing structures, while maintaining a centralized repository of all contracts, tracking renewal timelines, amendments, and ensuring compliance with terms and organizational requirements.
• Supplier Relationship Management & Risk Mitigation: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key service providers identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, facilitate issue resolution, and proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with external partnerships.
• Strategic Sourcing, Optimization and Budget Support: Collaborate on the development and execution of sourcing strategies to improve efficiency and maximize value. Monitor industry trends and innovations, analyze pricing and supplier capabilities, and assist with budget planning and expenditure tracking for external services.
• Performance Monitoring and Stakeholder Collaboration: Establish KPIs and service metrics, conduct regular performance reviews and audits, prepare performance reports, and serve as a liaison between SEM departments and suppliers to gather feedback, communicate expectations, and ensure services effectively support enrollment and operational goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Communications, or related field. Minimum of 2 years of experience in procurement, vendor management, contract coordination or related area. Experience in supplier sourcing, contract negotiation support, or performance analysis preferred.